Membership Is Ownership

Join for $15

As a member-owner of Hunger Mountain Co-op, you are just that, an owner of the Co-op. Not many people can say that they own the store where they shop, but at our Co-op, this vision is a reality that anyone can be part of. Although you don’t need to be a member to shop, we encourage anyone over the age of 18 to join. When you become a member, your investment is used to build, strengthen, and run your Co-op. In turn, your Co-op is dedicated to supporting local farmers, bakers, and other local producers. This keeps our neighbors in business and assures that profits stay invested in our community.

• Own the store where you shop, and be eligible for an annual patronage refund.

• Have a voice and a vote in our Co-op's future.

Co-op Cares

Our Co-op Cares program is a member-owner benefit intended to help our community increase access to healthy, local, and organic foods. Co-op members, who are currently receiving 3SquaresVT benefits or supplemental security income (SSI), or are participating in the WIC program or have completed a community partner verification letter, may apply for a 10 percent discount on their purchases.

How to apply

Submit a completed application and show your proof of eligibility to a staff member at the customer service desk. You may show a current WIC program verification of certification, SSI award letter, notice of decision from 3SquaresVT benefits, or a community partner verification letter. If you need help filling out your application, let us know.

You must be a Co-op member-owner to apply for the Co-op Cares discount. It is $15 to join, and you may be eligible for a grant to help you with your payment. Apply at the customer service desk.

Shopping on a budget

• Sign up to receive our biweekly eNews with all the latest ways to save.

Cost

You can pay for your membership in the following ways:

• One payment of $180.

• $15 per fiscal year (July - June) until you reach $180, or installments of any size at any time, so long as they meet a minimum of $15 per fiscal year. Membership at our co-op is individual and the equity goal is presently at $180. With council approval, the equity goal may increase or decrease depending on our capital needs.

Join

Fill out a new member-owner application and bring it to the customer service desk at the Co-op. Printed applications are also available in the store. Once you have filled out your application, make an initial equity payment of at least $15 or pay the full equity amount of $180.

If for any reason you wish to end your member-ownership, you can fill out an equity refund request form, available at the customer service desk or by contacting member-owner services. All equity refunds are subject to approval by the council at their next scheduled meeting. If approved, your equity investment will be refunded to you, less a $7 processing fee. If you decide to rejoin the Co-op within one year, you will be required to repay the amount of equity you were refunded per our Co-op bylaws.